Marion Bettsworth

Marion Bettsworth / Tutor

Marion Bettsworth is an organist, accompanist and choral conductor based in London. She is Assistant Director of Music at St Michael’s Church, Highgate, and an Associate of the Royal College of Organists. She enjoys a varied career spanning work as an organist, continuo player, pianist, choral director, teacher and arts administrator. Marion read Music at Oxford University before holding various posts as an organist in a number of London churches. With over ten years of teaching experience, Marion is an enthusiastic advocate for music education and works regularly with children, especially in the musical training of choristers.

Where did you study music?

I was an organ scholar at Oxford University where I studied organ with Steven Grahl and piano with Raymond Fischer.

What is your favourite piece of music?

It’s impossible to pick just one piece but Finzi’s Eclogue, Bellini’s Norma, Bach’s motets and Couperin’s Leçons de ténèbres would all make the shortlist.

What single thing you could not live without?

Coffee, or perhaps my road bike which I’ve recently become very attached to!

Who has inspired you the most?

My secondary school music teacher hugely shaped my musical education and outlook on life – without his advice, encouragement and insight there’s no way I’d be doing what I do today.

Where did you grow up?

Lancaster, Lancashire, with a lot of time spent in France where most of my family live.